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Post Christmas Decorating Ideas

I tend to go a little crazy with the Christmas decorating. This year, for example, I took an entire week off from work to decorate the house (I did 7 trees in all, including one in each bedroom). And, when I am done, the house looks so bright and festive… I never want it to end. But, all too quickly, Christmas is over. The whimsical ornaments, snowglobes and battalion of nutcrackers are packed away and the house feels desolate. To keep it from becoming too depressing, I have started a Post-Christmas Decorating Scheme. My all-white concept is certainly not new. But, it is appropriate for the often snow-laden days in January and weans me off of the Christmas decorations (a bit).

Currently, I have numerous snowmen and winter white items that only come out after my Christmas décor has been safely packed away. And this season, I am looking forward to adding to my little cache of snowy objects.

Here are a few of my favorite post-Christmas decorating tricks:

Start at the front door. Add a plain or “snow” dusted pinecone wreath, mixed green wreath, or simple monogram. I also use wooden wine crates flanking the door to hold a selection of silver toned and brass lanterns, which warm up a bleak landscape.

Bottle brush trees. In pairs, clusters, and tiny forests, in cloches, on windowsills, and perched on bookcases, these create simple, lovely winter vignettes.

Snowmen. I do look for those without the traditional holly accents or other Christmas-specific details. There are also some very beautiful versions that are modern and stylized, depending on your home’s decorating scheme.

Pinecones. I am fortunate that we have many pine trees on or near our property, so I have a nice variety. Pinecones of all shapes and sizes look festive tumbling from wooden crates, bowls, and urns.

Real greens and branches. With the woods so nearby, these are free for the taking and give me an excuse to break out some of the crystal and silver that tends to languish in the china closet. Paper white birch is one of my personal top picks because it’s sculptural all by itself.

Glass icicles. Many years ago, I cleaned up at an after-Christmas sale and purchased a dozen boxes of 6” glass icicles. During the holiday season, these 144 sparkling gems adorn my trees, but after the holidays, they are charming suspended from clear fishing line in the windows (Bonus – they catch they light and refract it like prisms!).

Pillow covers. Post-Christmas, my collection of holiday needlepoint pillows is stashed in a bin and white cable knit covers make an appearance. The fuzzy sweater look is oh-so-warm, and the zip-up covers go right over our everyday toss pillows.

Cozy throws. Out with the Stewart tartan, and in with the winter white chenille. This year, I am also lusting after a faux fur throw, like the one pictured below, to add an extra layer of texture and a glam look.

Decorative signs. Although some décor lists will tell you that these are “out” I still adore a kitchy sign or two. If you have a country inspired kitchen, it’s practically illegal not to own at least one! Come January, my fave is “Let it Snow” (which invariably, it does!).

White candles. These are best when massed, either as tapers or pillars (or both). Accent with sprigs of boxwood or arborvitae.

Do you have post-Christmas decorating tricks that you employ to keep the after-Christmas blues at bay? I’ve love to showcase them here. Send your photos to me at susanmcneill6@comcast.net with a brief description. All photos used will include a photo credit and link to your site, as applicable.

Susan Said… WHAT?! is your guide to real style for the way you live – from fabulous fashion and accessories, to gorgeous gardens and stunning interiors, holiday decorating, plus the latest products and tips for throwing parties, weddings, and events of all kinds.

DISCLAIMER: No financial compensation was received for this “Post Christmas Decorating Ideas” post. Regardless, I only recommend products or services that I believe will be beneficial for my readers.